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You, Me & CTP
Examining The State of Computer to Plate Technologies for Flexography
Lee Zerfass
C
omputer to plate (CTP) technolo-
gies have been in place for well over
a decade. Worldwide, the number of
flexo CTP devices installed is about
3,000. Although the landscape might suggest the
market for CTP imagers has matured, there are
several driving factors pushing the technology even
further, requiring us to consider additional invest-
ment. For customers that have not committed,
there are compelling arguments to revisit making
the capital investment. As an industry, we all ben-
efit from advances in imaging resolution, speed,
automation and the workflows themselves.
What we know today is CTP is a proven technology. Even with the
advances in digital presses, CTP remains a part of the manufacturing
process and for good reason. Some of its manufacturers are pushing
the limits to make our production lives better, like:
• Esko
• Screen
• Xeikon
• Luscher
• Stork
All have a common thread or mission: improving quality, efficiencies
and, most important, predictability/stability in the pressroom.
WHY CTP?
Let’s start with the sales approach itself. We often hear it’s difficult to
put a value on a part of the supply chain when we want to compare
the return to that of a printing press. With a press, you have some-
thing tangible; the product can be held, then placed in a box and
delivered. There is a “real” value and peace of mind. That said, the best
place to identify the need for CTP is in the same place we are already
looking—the job itself.
If we can reduce makeready and
waste, the byproduct is less raw
material, labor and resources to
create the same job. When we
add workflow, we improve the consistency and speed of how jobs are
prepped for press. And for higher volume environments, a workflow
expedites the time to press, regardless of the operator’s experience
level. Then, add the benefit of, for instance, high resolution imaging,
and the quality of the job is improved, creating a distinction from
the competition.
A couple observations remain consistent:
• Companies that made the investment in CTP indicate they wish
they had done so sooner or when the discussions first started.
“As an industry, we will benefit from
all the touch points around CTP,
digital printing and finishing with
truly best of class offerings.
”
OCTOBER 2014 | FLEXO 45
TECHNOLOGY & TECHNIQUES
5th Annual
Plate/Plate
Making/Sleeve
Selection Guide